Limit your to-do lists to a set number of items and try to break down big projects into smaller tasks in order to be more productive, writes Anisa Purbasari Horton. If those strategies aren't working for you, it could be better to try blocking off certain parts of the day to focus on whichever tasks are most important. Fast Company online (7/18) Keep kids' illnesses from affecting your work
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Professionals with children should try to have a plan in place for unexpected illnesses in order to minimize stress and the impact on co-workers and others, writes Daisy Wademan Dowling. If staying home is necessary, try to stay connected to co-workers and be available for help if needed. Harvard Business Review online (tiered subscription model) (7/18)
Making the Connection
How to deal with an underperforming work friend Making connections in the workplace can put you in a difficult position at times, such as when a work friend becomes a liability due to poor performance. If you risk being affected by your friend's performance, use a natural opening to ask how he assesses his own performance and offer an objective critique along with an offer to help, writes Sue Shellenbarger. The Wall Street Journal (tiered subscription model) (7/18)
The Landscape
How to work with these 4 types of leaders Understanding a manager's leadership style helps employees maximize productivity and engagement, writes Amanda Munsterteiger. She details four common styles and offers tips for working with them to find personal motivation and meaning. Training magazine (7/14)
Your Next Challenge
Don't rule yourself out by neglecting interview etiquette You can disqualify yourself from a job opening that you're otherwise fit for if you fail to observe basic interview etiquette, writes Ringo Nishioka. A firm hand shake, showing up on time and a simple thank you letter are non-negotiable when interviewing for any position. Business 2 Community (7/18)
Balancing Yourself
Change this setting to sleep better after using devices If you use your tablet or smartphone in bed before going to sleep, be aware that the screen's blue light can trick your brain into thinking it's daytime and prevent you from sleeping well. Apple device users can use the Night Shift setting to filter out blue light, while Android users should check out one of the third-party applications that can do the trick, writes Lance Whitney. Entrepreneur online (7/18)
The Water Cooler
First photos by Japanese aerospace drone released The first images taken by the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency's JEM Internal Ball zero-gravity drone have been revealed. The Int-Ball drone arrived on the International Space Station last month and will provide a link between ground-based crew and those in space. CNN (7/18)
Your task is not to foresee the future, but to enable it.
